International Conscientious Objectors' Day

Sr Katrina Alton, Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales writes: In his first Sunday blessing, Pope Leo XlV, sent a clear message to all political leaders:

"After the immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after having caused 60 million victims. In today's dramatic context of a third world war in pieces, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!"

Yet we know only too well that war is a reality in so many countries. Rather than the cry, 'never again war!', being at the forefront of the political agenda, there is a conscious perpetuation of 'forever wars', creating a cycle of violence, suffering, and death, that we are told is inevitable. But is it?

This week we will mark International Conscientious Objectors' Day (Thursday 15 May) . Remembering ordinary men and women who have refused to participate in war, to bear arms, to kill. Today there are hundreds of conscientious objectors refusing to fight in Israel, Russia, Ukraine, and many other countries. Many are in prison. Some are motivated by their Christian faith, all by a love of neighbour, and a willingness to suffer persecution, prison, or even death, for their belief that war is never the answer.

War isn't inevitable, but it is profitable. Military spending in 2024 reached an all-time high of $2.718 Trillion dollars. Yes, Pope Leo is right that we need our political leaders to rethink what it really means to create a secure world; to fund housing, health and education instead of lining the pockets of arms dealers and shareholders. But this isn't just a message for the 'powerful' of our world. It is a clarion call to all Christians to remember and reclaim our nonviolent heritage: to love God, to love our neighbour, and to love our 'enemies'. Only when all people of faith and good will refuse to promulgate the myth of the inevitability of war, and instead actively witness to the truth of Jesus' way of redemptive nonviolence will 'never again war!' become a reality.

Nonviolence isn't doing nothing, rather it is a call to disarm our hearts, to build bridges, to use our resources to bring life not death. To speak and act for peace. Let us raise our voices with Pope Leo in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the war in Ukraine.

International Conscientious Objectors' Day on May 15th, is an opportunity to remember all Conscientious Objectors, past and present, and show our solidarity with all those defending the right to refuse to fight.

There are events to commemorate International Conscientious Objectors' Day taking place across the UK in London, Liverpool, Oxford, Edinburgh, Leicester, Brighton. For more details see: www.ppu.org.uk/events